Journal
MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS JOURNAL
Volume 9, Issue 3, Pages 219-227Publisher
SAGE PUBLICATIONS LTD
DOI: 10.1191/1352458503ms904oa
Keywords
amantadine; fatigue; magnetic resonance imaging; modafinil; multiple sclerosis; pemoline; positron emission tomography; quality of life
Categories
Funding
- NINDS NIH HHS [1 K23 NS42379-01] Funding Source: Medline
- NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS AND STROKE [K23NS042379] Funding Source: NIH RePORTER
Ask authors/readers for more resources
In patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) fatigue is the most common symptom and one of the most disabling features. As many as 40% have described it as the single most disabling symptom-a higher percentage than weakness, spasticity, motor problems, or bowel or bladder problems. The etiology and pathophysiology of MS-related fatigue remain unknown. Studies have failed to demonstrate an association between MS-related fatigue and the level of disability, clinical disease subtype, or gender, although recent data show an association between MS-related fatigue and depression and quality of life. Imaging studies using positron emission tomography suggest that fatigue in MS is related to hypometabolism of specific brain areas, including the frontal and subcortical circuits. The impact of fatigue on patient functioning and quality of life clearly warrants intervention. In addition to nonpharmacologic measures, such as exercise and energy conservation strategies, several pharmacologic agents have been evaluated for their ability to reduce MS-related fatigue, including amantadine, central nervous system stimulants (pemoline), and the novel wake-promoting agent modafinil.
Authors
I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.
Reviews
Recommended
No Data Available